U.S. patent application number 14/594013 was filed with the patent office on 2015-09-17 for display device and method of manufacturing the same.
The applicant listed for this patent is Samsung Display Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Young-Cheol Jeong, Dongho Lee, Yong-Han Park.
Application Number | 20150261029 14/594013 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54068690 |
Filed Date | 2015-09-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150261029 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Park; Yong-Han ; et
al. |
September 17, 2015 |
DISPLAY DEVICE AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME
Abstract
A display device includes a display substrate with a pixel and
being curved along a first direction, an opposite substrate facing
the display substrate, being coupled to the display substrate, and
curved with the display substrate, a column spacer disposed between
the display substrate and the opposite substrate to maintain a gap
between the display substrate and the opposite substrate and
including first and second spacers respectively disposed at left
and right sides of a center line passing through a center portion
of the display substrate along a second direction substantially
normal to the first direction, a first misalignment preventing
layer disposed at a left side of the first spacer with respect to
the center line, and a second misalignment preventing layer
disposed at a right side of the second spacer with respect to the
center line.
Inventors: |
Park; Yong-Han;
(Hwaseong-si, KR) ; Lee; Dongho; (Suwon-si,
KR) ; Jeong; Young-Cheol; (Hwaseong-si, KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Samsung Display Co., Ltd. |
Yongin-City |
|
KR |
|
|
Family ID: |
54068690 |
Appl. No.: |
14/594013 |
Filed: |
January 9, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
349/106 ;
349/122; 445/24 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G02F 2001/134345
20130101; G02F 1/13394 20130101; G02F 1/133305 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G02F 1/1339 20060101
G02F001/1339; G02F 1/1333 20060101 G02F001/1333; G02F 1/1335
20060101 G02F001/1335 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 11, 2014 |
KR |
10-2014-0028447 |
Claims
1. A display device comprising: a display substrate with a pixel
and being curved along a first direction; an opposite substrate
facing the display substrate, being coupled to the display
substrate, and curved with the display substrate; a column spacer
between the display substrate and the opposite substrate to
maintain a gap between the display substrate and the opposite
substrate and including first and second spacers respectively
disposed at left and right sides of a center line passing through a
center portion of the display substrate along a second direction
substantially normal to the first direction; a first misalignment
preventing layer at a left side of the first spacer with respect to
the center line; and a second misalignment preventing layer at a
right side of the second spacer with respect to the center
line.
2. The display device of claim 1, wherein the column spacer is on
the opposite substrate, and each of the first and second
misalignment preventing layers comprises a pattern formed of a
layer on the display substrate.
3. The display device of claim 2, wherein the display substrate
further comprises a base insulating layer, and the first and second
misalignment preventing layers are protruded from an upper surface
of the base insulating layer.
4. The display device of claim 3, further comprising: a third
misalignment preventing layer at a right side of the first spacer
to be substantially in parallel to the first misalignment
preventing layer with respect to the center line; and a fourth
misalignment preventing layer at a left side of the second spacer
to be substantially in parallel to the second misalignment
preventing layer with respect to the center line.
5. The display device of claim 3, wherein the first misalignment
preventing layer comprises a first protrusion pattern having a
closed loop shape in which a first receiving recess is formed to
accommodate the first spacer, and the second misalignment
preventing layer comprises a second protrusion pattern having a
closed loop shape in which a second receiving recess is formed to
accommodate the second spacer.
6. The display device of claim 3, wherein the base insulating layer
is a color filter layer including a plurality of color filters, and
the first and second misalignment preventing layers are on a first
color filter of the color filters.
7. The display device of claim 6, wherein each of the first and
second misalignment preventing layers comprises a second color
filter different from the first color filter, is disposed on the
first color filter, and has a bar shape.
8. The display device of claim 6, wherein each of the first and
second misalignment preventing layers has a same color as the first
color filter and is protruded from the first color filter to have a
bar shape.
9. The display device of claim 6, wherein each of the first and
second misalignment preventing layers comprises a concave pattern
recessed downward from an upper surface of the first color
filter.
10. The display device of claim 3, wherein the base insulating
layer is an organic insulating layer, and each of the first and
second misalignment preventing layers comprises a protrusion
pattern protruded from the organic insulating layer.
11. The display device of claim 3, wherein the base insulating
layer is an organic insulating layer, and each of the first and
second misalignment preventing layers comprises a concave pattern
recessed downward from an upper surface of the organic insulating
layer.
12. The display device of claim 11, wherein a density of the first
and second misalignment preventing layers is increased as a
distance from the center line increases along the first
direction.
13. A method of manufacturing a display device, the method
comprising: forming a display substrate with a pixel disposed
thereon; forming an opposite substrate including a column spacer;
coupling the display substrate to the opposite substrate such that
the column spacer is disposed between the display substrate and the
opposite substrate to complete a display panel; and bending the
display panel in a first direction to complete a curved display
device, wherein the column spacer comprises first and second
spacers respectively disposed at left and right sides of a center
line passing through a center portion of the display substrate
along a second direction substantially normal to the first
direction, and the forming of the display substrate comprises
forming a first misalignment preventing layer disposed at a left
side of the first spacer with respect to the center line and a
second misalignment preventing layer disposed at a right side of
the second spacer with respect to the center line.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the forming of the display
substrate comprises: forming a first color filter; and forming a
second color filter on the first color filter to form the first and
second misalignment preventing layers.
15. The method of claim 13, wherein the forming of the display
substrate comprises: forming an insulating material; forming a
photoresist layer on the insulating material; performing an
exposure process on the photoresist layer to pattern the
photoresist layer; and patterning the insulating material utilizing
the patterned photoresist layer to form a base insulating layer and
the first and second misalignment preventing layers.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the first and second
misalignment preventing layers comprise a protrusion pattern
protruded from the base insulating layer.
17. The method of claim 15, wherein each of the first and second
misalignment preventing layers comprises a concave pattern recessed
downward from an upper surface of the base insulating layer.
18. The method of claim 15, wherein the base insulating layer is a
color filter layer.
19. The method of claim 15, wherein the base insulating layer is an
organic insulating layer.
20. The method of claim 13, wherein each of a distance between the
first misalignment preventing layer and the first spacer and a
distance between the second misalignment preventing layer and the
second spacer is equal to or smaller than about 5 micrometers.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of
Korean Patent Application No. 10-2014-0028447, filed on Mar. 11,
2014, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in
its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field
[0003] The present disclosure relates to a display device and a
method of manufacturing the same. More particularly, the present
disclosure relates to a display device having a curved shape and a
method of manufacturing the display device.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] A liquid crystal display includes two transparent substrates
and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the two transparent
substrates. The liquid crystal display drives liquid crystal
molecules of the liquid crystal layer to control a light
transmittance in each pixel, thereby displaying a desired
image.
[0006] Among various operation modes of the liquid crystal display,
in a vertical alignment mode liquid crystal display, the liquid
crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer are vertically (e.g.,
normally) aligned with respect to the two substrates when an
electric field is formed between the two substrates, and the
vertically aligned liquid crystal molecules transmit the light, to
thereby display the image. The vertical alignment mode liquid
crystal display includes liquid crystal domains required to align
the liquid crystal molecules in different directions to improve a
viewing angle of the liquid crystal display.
[0007] In recent years, a curved liquid crystal display has been
developed. The curved liquid crystal display provides a user with a
curved display panel, and thus the curved liquid crystal display
provides the image having improved three-dimensional effect,
immersiveness, and presence to the user.
SUMMARY
[0008] Aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure are
directed toward a display device capable of preventing a
misalignment between upper and lower substrates in a curved shape
to improve a display quality thereof.
[0009] Aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure are
directed toward a method of manufacturing the display device.
[0010] Embodiments of the inventive concept provide a display
device including a display substrate with a pixel and being curved
along a first direction, an opposite substrate facing the display
substrate, being coupled to the display substrate, and curved with
the display substrate, a column spacer disposed between the display
substrate and the opposite substrate to maintain a gap between the
display substrate and the opposite substrate and including first
and second spacers respectively disposed at left and right sides of
a center line passing through a center portion of the display
substrate along a second direction substantially vertical to the
first direction, a first misalignment preventing layer disposed at
a left side of the first spacer with respect to the center line,
and a second misalignment preventing layer disposed at a right side
of the second spacer with respect to the center line.
[0011] Embodiments of the inventive concept provide a method of
manufacturing a display device, including forming a display
substrate with a pixel disposed thereon, forming an opposite
substrate including a column spacer, coupling the display substrate
to the opposite substrate such that the column spacer is disposed
between the display substrate and the opposite substrate to
complete a display panel, and bending the display panel in a first
direction to complete a curved display device. The column spacer
includes first and second spacers respectively disposed at left and
right sides of a center line passing through a center portion of
the display substrate along a second direction substantially
vertical (e.g., normal or perpendicular) to the first
direction.
[0012] In one embodiment, the forming of the display substrate
includes forming a first misalignment preventing layer disposed at
a left side of the first spacer with respect to the center line and
a second misalignment preventing layer disposed at a right side of
the second spacer with respect to the center line.
[0013] According to the above and embodiments of the present
disclosure, the curved display device includes the misalignment
preventing layer engaged with the column spacer to prevent the
misalignment between the display substrate and the opposite
substrate. Therefore, a stress applied to the curved display panel,
which is caused by bending the display panel, may be blocked by an
engaging force between the misalignment preventing layer and the
column spacer. As a result, the misalignment between the display
substrate and the opposite substrate, which is caused by the
variation in position of the column spacer, may be prevented.
[0014] In addition and according to embodiments of the present
disclosure, since the misalignment preventing layer is formed
without performing additional processes, the number of the
manufacturing processes of the curved display device may be
prevented from being increased.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The above and other advantages of the present disclosure
will become readily apparent by reference to the following detailed
description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings wherein:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a curved display device
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the curved display device
shown in FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view showing an area A1 shown
in FIG. 2;
[0019] FIG. 3B is a plan view showing a first spacer and a first
misalignment preventing layer shown in FIG. 3A;
[0020] FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view showing an area A2 shown
in FIG. 2;
[0021] FIG. 4B is a plan view showing a second spacer and a second
misalignment preventing layer shown in FIG. 4A;
[0022] FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view showing a first area
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0023] FIG. 5B is a plan view showing a first spacer and first and
third misalignment preventing layers;
[0024] FIG. 5C is a plan view showing a second spacer and second
and fourth misalignment preventing layers;
[0025] FIG. 6A is a plan view showing a fifth misalignment
preventing layer and a first spacer according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0026] FIG. 6B is a plan view showing a sixth misalignment
preventing layer and a second spacer according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0027] FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view showing a first area
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0028] FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view showing a second area
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0029] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a first area
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0030] FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view showing a first area
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0031] FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view showing a second area
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0032] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a first area
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0033] FIGS. 11A to 11C are cross-sectional views showing a
manufacturing method of a display substrate according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0034] FIGS. 12A to 12C are cross-sectional views showing a
manufacturing method of a display substrate according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0035] FIGS. 13A to 13C are cross-sectional views showing a
manufacturing method of a display substrate according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0036] FIG. 14 is a plan view showing a pixel disposed on a display
substrate according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure; and
[0037] FIG. 15 is a view showing domains defined in a pixel area
and liquid crystal alignment directions.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0038] It will be understood that when an element or layer is
referred to as being "on", "connected to" or "coupled to" another
element or layer, it can be directly on, connected or coupled to
the other element or layer or intervening elements or layers may be
present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being
"directly on," "directly connected to" or "directly coupled to"
another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or
layers present. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. As
used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of
one or more of the associated listed items.
[0039] It will be understood that, although the terms first,
second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements,
components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements,
components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited
by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one
element, component, region, layer or section from another region,
layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer
or section discussed below could be termed a second element,
component, region, layer or section without departing from the
teachings of the present invention.
[0040] Spatially relative terms, such as "beneath", "below",
"lower", "downward", "above", "upper" and the like, may be used
herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's
relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in
the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative
terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the
device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted
in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned
over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or
features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or
features. Thus, the exemplary term "below" can encompass both an
orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise
oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the
spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted
accordingly.
[0041] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of
the invention. As used herein, the singular forms, "a", "an" and
"the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood
that the terms "includes" and/or "including", when used in this
specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers,
steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude
the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers,
steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
[0042] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and
scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly
understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this
invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such
as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be
interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their
meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be
interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly
so defined herein.
[0043] Hereinafter, the present invention will be explained in more
detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0044] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a curved display device
500 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0045] Referring to FIG. 1, the curved display device 500 includes
a display area DA in which an image is displayed and has a curved
shape. Accordingly, the curved display device 500 displays the
image having improved three-dimensional effect, immersiveness, and
presence with the display area DA having the curved shape.
[0046] In the present exemplary embodiment, the curved display
device 500 includes a display substrate 100, an opposite substrate
300, and a liquid crystal layer. The opposite substrate 300 faces
the display substrate 100 while being coupled to the display
substrate 100, and the liquid crystal layer is interposed between
the display substrate 100 and the opposite substrate 300.
[0047] The curved display device 500 may further include other
components besides the display substrate 100 and the opposite
substrate 300. For instance, the curved display device 500 may
further include a backlight assembly that provides light to the
display substrate 100 and the opposite substrate 300, but the
structure of the curved display device 500 should not be limited to
the above-mentioned structure including the backlight assembly.
[0048] In the present exemplary embodiment, the curved display
device 500 is curved along a first direction D1 in a plane surface.
Accordingly, a portion or all of the display substrate 100 has the
curved shape along the first direction D1, and the display area DA
has the curved shape along the first direction D1. In addition, the
opposite substrate 300 has the curved shape corresponding to that
of the display substrate 100.
[0049] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the curved display device
shown in FIG. 1.
[0050] Referring to FIG. 2, the curved display device 500 includes
first and second areas A1 and A2, which are divided with respect to
a center line CL passing through a center portion of the curved
display device 500 along a second direction D2 substantially
vertical to the first direction D1. The first area A1 is located at
a left side of the center line CL, and the second area A2 is
located at a right side of the center line CL.
[0051] The curved display device 500 includes a column spacer 330
interposed between the display substrate 100 and the opposite
substrate 300 to form a gap between the display substrate 100 and
the opposite substrate 300. The column spacer 330 has a circular
shape when viewed in a plan view and is uniformly distributed in
the display area DA.
[0052] For the convenience of explanation, the column spacer 330
includes a first spacer 331 disposed in the first area A1 and a
second spacer 332 disposed in the second area A2 according to a
position thereof. Accordingly, the first and second spacers 331 and
332 have the same shape and function.
[0053] The curved display device 500 includes a first misalignment
preventing layer 141 disposed adjacent to a left side of the first
spacer 331 and a second misalignment preventing layer 142 disposed
adjacent to a right side of the second spacer 332.
[0054] Each of the first and second misalignment preventing layers
141 and 142 has a bar shape extending in (along) the second
direction D2. In the present exemplary embodiment, a density of the
first misalignment preventing layer 141 increases as a distance
from the center line CL increases and a distance to the left side
of the display area DA decreases, and a density of the second
misalignment preventing layer 142 increases as a distance from the
center line CL increases and a distance to the right side of the
display area DA decreases. The increase in density refers to
(means) that the number of the first and second misalignment
preventing layers 141 and 142 increases.
[0055] Although not shown in figures, as another embodiment, the
first misalignment preventing layer 141 may be arranged in the
first area A1 in a uniform density and the second misalignment
preventing layer 142 may be arranged in the second area A2 in a
uniform density.
[0056] FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view showing an area A1 shown
in FIG. 2, and FIG. 3B is a plan view showing a first spacer and a
first misalignment preventing layer shown in FIG. 3A.
[0057] Referring to FIG. 3A, the display substrate 100 includes a
first base substrate 110, a gate metal layer GML disposed on the
first base substrate 110, a gate insulating layer 120 covering the
gate metal layer GML, a data metal layer DML disposed on the gate
insulating layer GML, and a color filter layer 130 covering the
data metal layer DML.
[0058] The first base substrate 110 may be an insulating substrate
having light transmitting and flexible properties, e.g., a plastic
substrate. As another example, the first base substrate 110 may be
a glass substrate. The gate metal layer GML includes a gate line
and a gate electrode of a thin film transistor. The gate line is
electrically connected to the gate electrode of the thin film
transistor to apply a gate signal to the thin film transistor.
[0059] The gate insulating layer 120 is disposed on the first base
substrate 110 to cover the gate metal layer GML. The gate
insulating layer 120 includes an inorganic insulating material,
e.g., silicon nitride, silicon oxide, etc.
[0060] The data metal layer DML is disposed on the gate insulating
layer 120. The data metal layer DML includes a data line, a source
electrode of the thin film transistor, and a drain electrode of the
thin film transistor. The data line is insulated from the gate line
while crossing the gate line, and the source electrode and the
drain electrode are disposed above the gate electrode. Although not
shown in figures, a semiconductor pattern may be further disposed
between the gate electrode and the source and drain electrodes.
[0061] The color filter layer 130 includes a plurality of color
filters RC, GC, and BC. As an example, the color filter layer 130
includes red, green, and blue color filters RC, GC, and BC.
[0062] The first misalignment preventing layer 141 is disposed in
the first area A1 of the display substrate 100. The first
misalignment preventing layer 141 is disposed on one of the red,
green, and blue color filters RC, GC, and BC. In the present
exemplary embodiment, the first misalignment preventing layer 141
is disposed on the red color filter RC and formed of the blue color
filter BC.
[0063] According to another embodiment, the first and second
misalignment preventing layers 141 and 142 may be formed on the
color filters RC, GC, and BC using (utilizing) separate process and
material rather than the color filters RC, GC, and BC.
[0064] The opposite substrate 300 includes a second base substrate
310 facing the first base substrate 110, a black matrix 320
disposed on the second base substrate 310, and the first spacer 331
disposed on the black matrix 320.
[0065] The second base substrate 310 may be an insulating substrate
having light transmitting and flexible properties, e.g., a plastic
substrate. The black matrix 320 includes a light blocking material
and is disposed to correspond to at least one of the gate metal
layer GML and the data metal layer DML.
[0066] The first spacer 331 is disposed on the black matrix 320 in
the first area A1 of the opposite substrate 300. When the opposite
substrate is coupled to the display substrate 100, the first spacer
331 makes contact with the display substrate 100, and thus the
opposite substrate 300 is spaced apart from the display substrate
100 by a set or predetermined distance.
[0067] The display panel is curved in (along) the first direction
D1 after the opposite substrate 300 is coupled to the display
substrate 100, so that the display panel curved in (along) the
first direction D1 is manufactured.
[0068] In this case, due to the gap between the display substrate
100 and the opposite substrate 300, a difference in curvature
between the display substrate 100 and the opposite substrate 300
occurs and a misalignment is caused between the display substrate
100 and the opposite substrate 300.
[0069] One sidewall of the first misalignment preventing layer 141
makes contact with an end portion of the first spacer 331. Here, a
stress applied to the curved display panel, which is caused by
bending the display panel, may be blocked by an engaging force
between the first misalignment preventing layer 141 and the first
spacer 331. Accordingly, the misalignment between the display
substrate 100 and the opposite substrate 300, which is caused by
the stress, may be prevented.
[0070] As shown in FIG. 3B, the first misalignment preventing layer
141 is disposed adjacent to the one side of the first spacer 331.
The first misalignment preventing layer 141 is formed in the shape
of a bar (has a bar shape) extending in (along) the second
direction D2 (refer to FIG. 2) to have a length L1 larger than a
diameter d1 of the first spacer 331, but the shape of the first
misalignment preventing layer 141 should not be limited thereto or
thereby.
[0071] The distance between the first misalignment preventing layer
141 and the first spacer 331 is about 5 micrometers before the
display panel is bent. Then, when the curved display panel is
manufactured, the first misalignment preventing layer 141 is
engaged with the first spacer 331 and the alignment between the
display substrate 100 and the opposite substrate 300 may be
maintained at about 5 micrometers or less by the engaging force
between the first misalignment preventing layer 141 and the first
spacer 331.
[0072] FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view showing an area A2 shown
in FIG. 2, and FIG. 4B is a plan view showing a second spacer and a
second misalignment preventing layer shown in FIG. 4A. In FIG. 4A,
the same reference numerals denote the same elements in FIG. 3A,
and thus detailed descriptions of the same elements will be
omitted.
[0073] Referring to FIG. 4A, the color filter layer 130 includes a
plurality of color filters RC, GC, and BC. As an example, the color
filter layer 130 includes red, green, and blue color filters RC,
GC, and BC.
[0074] The second misalignment preventing layer 142 is disposed in
the second area A2 of the display substrate 100. The second
misalignment preventing layer 142 is disposed on one of the red,
green, and blue color filters RC, GC, and BC. In the present
exemplary embodiment, the second misalignment preventing layer 142
is disposed on the red color filter RC and formed of the blue color
filter BC.
[0075] The opposite substrate 300 includes the second spacer 332
disposed on the black matrix 320 in the second area A2. When the
opposite substrate 300 is coupled to the display substrate 100, the
second spacer 332 makes contact with the display substrate 100, and
thus the opposite substrate 300 is spaced apart from the display
substrate 100 by a set or predetermined distance.
[0076] The display panel is curved in the first direction D1 after
the opposite substrate 300 is coupled to the display substrate 100,
so that the display panel curved in the first direction D1 is
manufactured.
[0077] In this case, one sidewall of the second misalignment
preventing layer 142 makes contact with an end portion of the
second spacer 332. Here, a stress applied to the curved display
panel, which is caused by bending the display panel, may be blocked
by an engaging force between the second misalignment preventing
layer 142 and the second spacer 332. Therefore, the misalignment
between the display substrate 100 and the opposite substrate 300,
which is caused by the stress, may be prevented.
[0078] As shown in FIG. 4B, the second misalignment preventing
layer 142 is disposed adjacent to the one side of the second spacer
332. The second misalignment preventing layer 142 has the bar shape
extending in (along) the second direction D2 (refer to FIG. 2) to
have a length L2 larger than a diameter d2 of the second spacer
332, but the shape of the second misalignment preventing layer 142
should not be limited thereto or thereby.
[0079] The first and second spacers 331 and 332 may have the same
diameter d1 and d2, and in this case, the first and second
misalignment preventing layers 141 and 142 may have the same
length.
[0080] As shown in FIG. 2, when the display panel is curved along
the first direction D1, the stress is increased as a distance
between the center line CL and the left side and a distance between
the center line CL and the right side is decreased. Thus, the
number of the first misalignment preventing layers 141 is increased
as the first misalignment preventing layers 141 get closer to the
left side of the first area A1 from the center line CL and the
number of the second misalignment preventing layers 142 is
increased as the second misalignment preventing layers 142 get
closer to the right side of the second area A2 from the center line
CL. When the number of the first and second misalignment preventing
layers 141 and 142 is increased, the blocking capability of the
first and second misalignment preventing layers 141 and 142 may be
improved to block the movement of the first and second spacers 331
and 332. Accordingly, the degree of the misalignment between the
display substrate 100 and the opposite substrate 300 may be
prevented from increasing in the left and right sides of the curved
display panel.
[0081] The distance between the second misalignment preventing
layer 142 and the second spacer 332 is about 5 micrometers before
the display panel is bent. Then, when the curved display panel is
manufactured, the second misalignment preventing layer 142 is
engaged with the second spacer 332 and the alignment between the
display substrate 100 and the opposite substrate 300 may be
maintained at about 5 micrometers or less by the engaging force
between the second misalignment preventing layer 142 and the second
spacer 332.
[0082] FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view showing a first area
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure,
FIG. 5B is a plan view showing a first spacer and first and third
misalignment preventing layers, and FIG. 5C is a plan view showing
a second spacer and second and fourth misalignment preventing
layers. In FIG. 5A, the same reference numerals denote the same
elements in FIG. 3A, and thus detailed descriptions of the same
elements will be omitted.
[0083] Referring to FIG. 5A, the color filter layer 130 includes a
plurality of color filters RC, GC, and BC. As an example, the color
filter layer 130 includes red, green and blue color filters RC, GC,
and BC.
[0084] The third misalignment preventing layer 143 may be further
disposed in the first area A1 of the display substrate 100, which
is substantially in parallel to the first misalignment preventing
layer 141. The end portion of the first spacer 331 is inserted into
between the first and third misalignment preventing layers 141 and
143.
[0085] The first and third misalignment preventing layers 141 and
143 are disposed on one of the red, green, and blue color filters
RC, GC, and BC. As an example, the first and third misalignment
preventing layers 141 and 143 are disposed on the red color filter
RC and formed of the blue color filter BC.
[0086] When the opposite substrate is coupled to the display
substrate 100, the first spacer 331 disposed on the opposite
substrate 300 makes contact with the display substrate 100, and
thus the opposite substrate 300 is spaced apart from the display
substrate 100 by a set or predetermined distance.
[0087] The display panel is bent in (along) the first direction D1
after the opposite substrate 300 is coupled to the display
substrate 100, so that the display panel curved in (along) the
first direction D1 is manufactured.
[0088] In this case, one sidewall of the first misalignment
preventing layer 141 and one sidewall of the third misalignment
preventing layer 143 make contact with the end portion of the first
spacer 331. Therefore, the end portion of the first spacer 331 is
fixed between the first and third misalignment preventing layers
141 and 143, and thus the first spacer 331 moves within the
predetermined range even though the stress is applied to the first
spacer 331. Thus, the misalignment between the display substrate
100 and the opposite substrate 300, which is caused by the stress,
may be prevented.
[0089] As shown in FIG. 5B, the first and third misalignment
preventing layers 141 and 143 are disposed at both sides of the
first spacer 331 and are symmetrical with each other with respect
to an imaginary line passing through the center portion of the
first spacer 331 and extending in (along) the second direction D2
(refer to FIG. 2).
[0090] As shown in FIG. 5C, the fourth misalignment preventing
layer 144 may be further disposed in the second area A2 of the
display substrate 100, which is substantially in parallel to the
second misalignment preventing layer 142. The end portion of the
second spacer 332 is inserted into between the second and fourth
misalignment preventing layers 142 and 144. That is, the second and
fourth misalignment preventing layers 142 and 144 are disposed at
both sides of the second spacer 332 and are symmetrical with each
other with respect to an imaginary line passing through the center
portion of the second spacer 332 and extending in (along) the
second direction D2.
[0091] FIG. 6A is a plan view showing a fifth misalignment
preventing layer and a first spacer according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 6B is a plan view
showing a sixth misalignment preventing layer and a second spacer
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0092] Referring to FIG. 6A, the fifth misalignment preventing
layer 145 is disposed on at least one of the red, green, and blue
color filters RC, GC, and BC and has a closed loop shape in which a
first receiving recess 145a is formed to accommodate the end
portion of the first spacer 331. When the fifth misalignment
preventing layer 145 is disposed on the red color filter RC, the
fifth misalignment preventing layer 145 is formed of one of the
green and blue color filters GC and BC or formed by patterning a
separate material.
[0093] The first receiving recess 145a has a width w1 greater than
a diameter d1 of the first spacer 331.
[0094] Referring to FIG. 6B, the sixth misalignment preventing
layer 146 is disposed on at least one of the red, green, and blue
color filters RC, GC, and BC and has a closed loop shape in which a
second receiving recess 146a is formed to accommodate the end
portion of the second spacer 332. When the sixth misalignment
preventing layer 146 is disposed on the red color filter RC, the
sixth misalignment preventing layer 146 is formed of one of the
green and blue color filters GC and BC or formed by patterning a
separate material.
[0095] The second receiving recess 146a has a width w2 greater than
a diameter d2 of the second spacer 332.
[0096] As described above, when the fifth and sixth misalignment
preventing layers 145 and 146 have the closed loop shape to
respectively surround the first and second spacers 331 and 332, the
first and second spacers 331 and 332 are stably held in the first
and second areas regardless of the direction in which the curved
display panel is curved. Accordingly, the end portions of the first
and second spacers 331 and 332 are respectively fixed to the fifth
and sixth misalignment preventing layers 145 and 146 and move in
the predetermined range even though the stress caused by the
bending of the curved display panel is applied thereto. Therefore,
the misalignment between the display substrate 100 and the opposite
substrate 300, which is caused by the stress, may be prevented.
[0097] FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view showing a first area
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, and
FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view showing a second area according
to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In FIGS. 7A
and 7B, the same reference numerals denote the same elements in
FIGS. 3A and 4A, and thus detailed descriptions of the same
elements will be omitted.
[0098] Referring to FIG. 7A, the first misalignment preventing
layer 141 is disposed in the first area A1 of the display substrate
100. The first misalignment preventing layer 141 is protruded from
one of the red, green, and blue color filters RC, GC, and BC. As an
example, the first misalignment preventing layer 141 is protruded
from an upper surface of the red color filter RC and integrally
formed with the red color filter RC.
[0099] Referring to FIG. 7B, the second misalignment preventing
layer 142 is disposed in the second area A2 of the display
substrate 100. The second misalignment preventing layer 142 is
protruded from one of the red, green, and blue color filters RC,
GC, and BC. As an example, the second misalignment preventing layer
142 is protruded from an upper surface of the red color filter RC
and integrally formed with the red color filter RC.
[0100] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a first area
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0101] Referring to FIG. 8, a seventh misalignment preventing layer
147 is disposed in the first area A1 of the display substrate 100.
The seventh misalignment preventing layer 147 is formed by
recessing a portion of one color filter of the red, green, and blue
color filters RC, GC, and BC. As an example, the seventh
misalignment preventing layer 147 is recessed downward (into the
red color filter RC) from the upper surface of the red color filter
RC by a set or predetermined depth and has a rectangular shape when
viewed in a plan view. Here, it should be apparent that the
spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different
orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the
orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in
the figures is turned over, "downward" would then be "upward".
[0102] As described above, the seventh misalignment preventing
layer 147 is formed in the red color filter RC to have the recess
shape, and thus the seventh misalignment preventing layer 147
accommodates the end portion of the first spacer 331. Although not
shown in FIG. 8, an eighth misalignment preventing layer may be
provided to the second area A2 of the display substrate 100 to have
the recess shape, so that the eighth misalignment preventing layer
may accommodate the end portion of the second spacer 332.
[0103] The end portions of the first and second spacers 331 and
332, which are respectively accommodated in the seventh
misalignment preventing layer 147 and the eighth misalignment
preventing layer, are guided by the sidewall of the red color
filter RC, which defines the recess, and thus the misalignment
between the display substrate 100 and the opposite substrate 300,
which is caused by the stress, may be prevented.
[0104] FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view showing a first area
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, and
FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view showing a second area according
to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0105] Referring to FIG. 9A, a display substrate 100 includes a
first base substrate 110, a gate metal layer GML disposed on the
first base substrate 110, a gate insulating layer 120 covering the
gate metal layer GML, a data metal layer DML disposed on the gate
insulating layer GML, and an organic insulating layer 150 covering
the data metal layer DML.
[0106] The organic insulating layer 150 includes a transparent
organic insulating material, e.g., an acrylic-based resin.
[0107] A ninth misalignment preventing layer 161 is disposed in the
first area A1 of the display substrate 100. The ninth misalignment
preventing layer 161 is protruded from an upper surface of the
organic insulating layer 150 toward the opposite substrate 300.
That is, the ninth misalignment preventing layer 161 is integrally
formed with the organic insulating layer 150.
[0108] The opposite substrate 300 includes a second base substrate
310 facing the first base substrate 110, a black matrix 320
disposed on the second base substrate 310, a color filter layer 340
disposed to overlap with the black matrix 320, and a first spacer
331 disposed on the color filter layer 340.
[0109] The color filter layer 340 includes red, green, and blue
color filters RC, GC, and BC. The first spacer 331 is disposed on
at least one of the red, green, and blue color filters RC, GC, and
BC. As an example, the first spacer 331 is disposed on the red
color filter RC.
[0110] One sidewall of the ninth misalignment preventing layer 161
makes contact with an end portion of the first spacer 331. Here, a
stress applied to the curved display panel, which is caused by the
bending of the display panel, may be blocked by an engaging force
between the ninth misalignment preventing layer 161 and the first
spacer 331. Accordingly, the misalignment between the display
substrate 100 and the opposite substrate 300, which is caused by
the stress, may be prevented.
[0111] Referring to FIG. 9B, a tenth misalignment preventing layer
162 is disposed in the second area A2 of the display substrate 100.
The tenth misalignment preventing layer 162 is protruded from the
upper surface of the organic insulating layer 150 toward the
opposite substrate 300. That is, the tenth misalignment preventing
layer 162 is integrally formed with the organic insulating layer
150.
[0112] The opposite substrate 300 includes a second spacer 332
disposed on at least one of the red, green, and blue color filters
RC, GC, and BC. As an example, the second spacer 332 is disposed on
the red color filter RC.
[0113] One sidewall of the tenth misalignment preventing layer 162
makes contact with an end portion of the second spacer 332. Here, a
stress applied to the curved display panel, which is caused by the
bending of the display panel, may be blocked by an engaging force
between the tenth misalignment preventing layer 162 and the second
spacer 332. Therefore, the misalignment between the display
substrate 100 and the opposite substrate 300, which is caused by
the stress, may be prevented.
[0114] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a first area
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In
FIG. 10, the same reference numerals denote the same elements in
FIG. 9A, and thus detailed descriptions of the same elements will
be omitted.
[0115] Referring to FIG. 10, an eleventh misalignment preventing
layer 163 is disposed in the first area A1 of the display substrate
100. The eleventh misalignment preventing layer 163 is recessed in
the organic insulating layer 150 to have a concave pattern. As an
example, the eleventh misalignment preventing layer 163 is recessed
downward from the upper surface of the organic insulating layer 150
by a set or predetermined depth and has a rectangular shape when
viewed in a plan view.
[0116] As described above, the eleventh misalignment preventing
layer 163 is formed in the organic insulating layer 150 to have the
recess shape, and thus the eleventh misalignment preventing layer
163 accommodates the end portion of the first spacer 331. Although
not shown in FIG. 10, a twelfth misalignment preventing layer may
be provided to the second area A2 of the display substrate 100 to
have the recess shape, so that the twelfth misalignment preventing
layer may accommodate the end portion of the second spacer 332.
[0117] The end portions of the first and second spacers 331 and
332, which are respectively accommodated in the eleventh
misalignment preventing layer 163 and the twelfth misalignment
preventing layer, are guided by the sidewall of the organic
insulating layer 150, which defines the recess, and thus the
misalignment between the display substrate 100 and the opposite
substrate 300, which is caused by the stress, may be prevented.
[0118] FIGS. 11A to 11C are cross-sectional views showing a
manufacturing method of a display substrate according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0119] Referring to FIG. 11A, the gate metal layer GML is disposed
on the first base substrate 110, the gate insulating layer 120 is
formed on the first base substrate 110 to cover the gate metal
layer GML, and the data metal layer DML is formed on the gate
insulating layer GML. The data metal layer DML may have a
double-layer structure.
[0120] One of the red, green, and blue color filters RC, GC, and
BC, e.g., the red color filter RC, is formed on the data metal
layer DML and the gate insulating layer 120.
[0121] Referring to FIG. 11B, another one of the red, green, and
blue color filters RC, GC, and BC, e.g., the green color filter GC,
is formed on the data metal layer DML and the gate insulating layer
120. The green color filter GC is partially overlapped with the red
color filter RC in a boundary of the pixel area.
[0122] Referring to FIG. 11C, the other one of the red, green, and
blue color filters RC, GC, and BC, e.g., the blue color filter BC,
is formed on the data metal layer DML and the gate insulating layer
120, and thus the color filter layer 130 is completed. The blue
color filter BC is partially overlapped with the red and green
color filters RC and GC in the boundary of the pixel area.
[0123] In addition, the blue color filter BC is formed on the red
color filter RC to form the first misalignment preventing layer
141.
[0124] In one embodiment, the second misalignment preventing layer
142 may be substantially and simultaneously formed with the first
misalignment preventing layer 141 through the same process.
[0125] As described above, the first and second misalignment
preventing layers 141 and 142 are formed together with the color
filters RC, GC, and BC without performing additional processes, and
thus the number of the manufacturing processes of the display
substrate may be prevented from being increased.
[0126] FIGS. 12A to 12C are cross-sectional views showing a
manufacturing method of a display substrate according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0127] Referring to FIG. 12A, the gate metal layer GML is disposed
on the first base substrate 110, the gate insulating layer 120 is
formed on the first base substrate 110 to cover the gate metal
layer GML, and the data metal layer DML is formed on the gate
insulating layer GML. The data metal layer DML may have a
double-layer structure.
[0128] A red insulating layer 135 is formed on the data metal layer
DML and the gate insulating layer 120. A first mask 137 is disposed
on the red insulating layer 135, and then an exposure process is
performed. Although not shown in figures, a negative type (kind)
photoresist layer is formed on the red insulating layer 135 and the
photoresist layer is exposed using (utilizing) the first mask 137.
The first mask 137 includes a transmission area TA in which the
photoresist layer is fully exposed, a half area HA in which the
photoresist layer is half-exposed, and a blocking area BA in which
the photoresist layer is not exposed.
[0129] Since the photoresist layer is the negative type, the
non-exposed portion of the photoresist layer is completely removed
and the half-exposed portion of the photoresist layer is partially
removed after a development process is performed, thereby forming a
photoresist pattern. The red insulating layer 135 is etched using
(utilizing) the photoresist pattern as a mask. Due to the etching
process, the red insulating layer 135 is completely removed in the
blocking area BA, the red insulating layer 135 is partially removed
in the half area HA, and the red insulating layer 135 remains in
the transmission area TA without being removed. Accordingly, the
red color filter RC and the first misalignment preventing layer 141
are formed as shown in FIG. 12B.
[0130] The first misalignment preventing layer 141 is formed to
correspond to the transmission area TA and protruded from an upper
surface of the red color filter RC.
[0131] Referring to FIG. 12C, the green and blue color filters GC
and BC are sequentially formed on the data metal layer DML and the
gate insulating layer 120, and thus the color filter layer 130 is
completed.
[0132] FIGS. 13A to 13C are cross-sectional views showing a
manufacturing method of a display substrate according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0133] Referring to FIG. 13A, a red insulating layer 135 is formed
on the data metal layer DML and the gate insulating layer 120. A
second mask 138 is disposed on the red insulating layer 135, and
then an exposure process is performed. Although not shown in
figures, a negative type (kind) photoresist layer is formed on the
red insulating layer 135 and the photoresist layer is exposed using
(utilizing) the second mask 138. The second mask 138 includes a
transmission area TA in which the photoresist layer is fully
exposed, a half area HA in which the photoresist layer is
half-exposed, and a blocking area BA in which the photoresist layer
is not exposed.
[0134] Since the photoresist layer is the negative type, the
non-exposed portion of the photoresist layer is completely removed
and the half-exposed portion of the photoresist layer is partially
removed after a development process is performed, thereby forming a
photoresist pattern. The red insulating layer 135 is etched using
(utilizing) the photoresist pattern as a mask. Due to the etching
process, the red insulating layer 135 is completely removed in the
blocking area BA, the red insulating layer 135 is partially removed
in the half area HA, and the red insulating layer 135 remains in
the transmission area TA without being removed. Therefore, the red
color filter RC and the seventh misalignment preventing layer 147
are formed as shown in FIG. 13B.
[0135] The seventh misalignment preventing layer 147 is formed to
correspond to the half area HA. In more detail, the seventh
misalignment preventing layer 147 is formed of the red color filter
RC and recessed downward from the upper surface of the red color
filter RC to have the concave pattern.
[0136] Referring to FIG. 13C, the green and blue color filters GC
and BC are sequentially formed on the data metal layer DML and the
gate insulating layer 120, and thus the color filter layer 130 is
completed.
[0137] FIG. 14 is a plan view showing a pixel disposed on a display
substrate according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure, and FIG. 15 is a view showing domains defined in a
pixel area and liquid crystal alignment directions.
[0138] The display device 500 includes the pixels, but only one
pixel area in which one pixel is disposed among the pixels has been
shown in FIG. 14.
[0139] Referring to FIG. 14, a pixel includes a gate line GL, a
first data line DL1, a second data line DL2, a first thin film
transistor TR1, a second thin film transistor TR2, and a pixel
electrode PE.
[0140] The gate line GL is electrically connected to the first and
second thin film transistors TR1 and TR2 and applies a gate signal
to the first and second thin film transistors TR1 and TR2.
[0141] When an area in which the pixel electrode PE is disposed is
referred to as a pixel area PA, the pixel area PA includes a first
sub-pixel area PA1 and a second sub-pixel area PA2. In this case,
the pixel electrode PE includes a first sub-pixel electrode PE1
disposed in the first sub-pixel area PA1 and a second sub-pixel
electrode PE2 disposed in the second sub-pixel area PA2.
[0142] The first data line DL1 applies a first data signal to the
first thin film transistor TR1, and the second data line DL2
applies a second data signal to the second thin film transistor
TR2. In the present exemplary embodiment, the first data line DL1
extends along one side of the first and second sub-pixel electrodes
PE1 and PE2 and the second data line DL2 extends along the other
side of the first and second sub-pixel electrodes PE1 and PE2.
Accordingly, the first and second sub-pixel electrodes PE1 and PE2
are disposed between the first and second data lines DL1 and
DL2.
[0143] The first thin film transistor TR1 is electrically connected
to the gate line GL, the first data line DL1, and the first
sub-pixel electrode PE1. Therefore, when the first thin film
transistor TR1 is turned on in response to the gate signal, the
first data signal is applied to the first sub-pixel electrode
PE1.
[0144] The first thin film transistor TR1 includes a first gate
electrode GE1, a first active pattern AP1, a first source electrode
SE1, and a first drain electrode DE1. The first gate electrode GE1
is branched from the gate line GL. The first source electrode SE1
is branched from the first data line DL1 and makes contact with the
first active pattern AP1, and the first drain electrode DE1 is
spaced apart from the first source electrode SE1 and makes contact
with the first active pattern AP1.
[0145] The first sub-pixel electrode PE1 makes contact with the
first drain electrode DE1 through a first contact hole C1.
[0146] The second thin film transistor TR2 is electrically
connected to the gate line GL, the second data line DL2, and the
second sub-pixel electrode PE2. Thus, when the second thin film
transistor TR2 is turned on in response to the gate signal, the
second data signal is applied to the second sub-pixel electrode
PE2.
[0147] The second thin film transistor TR2 includes a second gate
electrode GE2, a second active pattern AP2, a second source
electrode SE2, and a second drain electrode DE2. The second gate
electrode GE2 is branched from the gate line GL and the second
active pattern AP2 is disposed on the second gate electrode GE2
such that the first insulating layer L1 is disposed between the
second gate electrode GE2 and the second active pattern AP2. The
second source electrode SE2 is branched from the second data line
DL2 and makes contact with the second active pattern AP2, and the
second drain electrode DE2 is spaced apart from the second source
electrode SE2 and makes contact with the second active pattern
AP2.
[0148] The second sub-pixel electrode PE2 makes contact with the
second drain electrode DE2 through a second contact hole C2.
[0149] As described above, the first and second sub-pixel
electrodes PE1 and PE2 are driven by different data signals, and
thus different grayscales are displayed in the first and second
sub-pixel areas PA1 and PA2, respectively.
[0150] Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, the first sub-pixel electrode
PE1 includes a first horizontal trunk portion HS1, a second
horizontal trunk portion HS2, a first vertical trunk portion VS1, a
second vertical trunk portion VS2, and first, second, third, and
fourth branch portions B1, B2, B3, and B4.
[0151] The first vertical trunk portion VS1 is connected to the
first horizontal trunk portion HS1, edges of the first branch
portions B1, and edges of the second branch portions B2, and the
second vertical trunk portion VS2 is connected to the second
horizontal trunk portion HS2, edges of the third branch portions
B3, and edges of the fourth branch portions B4. In the present
exemplary embodiment, each of the first and second vertical trunk
portions VS1 and VS2 extends in a second direction D2 crossing a
first direction D1 in which the liquid crystal display device 500
is curved. In more detail, the second direction D2 is substantially
perpendicular to the first direction D1 when viewed in a plan
view.
[0152] The first horizontal trunk portion HS1 is connected to the
first vertical trunk portion VS1, edges of the first branch
portions B1, and edges of the second branch portions B2. In the
present exemplary embodiment, the first horizontal trunk portion
HS1 extends in the first direction D1 and is branched from a center
portion of the first vertical trunk portion VS1. The first branch
portions B1 are symmetrical with the second branch portions B2 with
respect to the first horizontal trunk portion HS1, and the first
horizontal trunk portion HS1 is disposed between first and second
domains DM1 and DM2.
[0153] The second horizontal trunk portion HS2 is connected to the
second vertical trunk portion VS2, edges of the third branch
portions B3, and edges of the fourth branch portions B4. In the
present exemplary embodiment, the second horizontal trunk portion
HS2 extends in (along) the first direction D1 and is branched from
a center portion of the second vertical trunk portion VS2. The
third branch portions B3 are symmetrical with the fourth branch
portions B4 with respect to the second horizontal trunk portion
HS2, and the second horizontal trunk portion HS2 is disposed
between third and fourth domains DM3 and DM4.
[0154] Portions of the first branch portions B1 are branched from
the first horizontal trunk portion HS1, and the other portions of
the first branch portions B1 are branched from the first vertical
trunk portion VS1. In addition, each of the first branch portions
B1 extends in (along) a third direction D3 inclined with respect to
the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 when viewed in a
plan view, and the first branch portions B1 are spaced apart from
each other.
[0155] Portions of the second branch portions B2 are branched from
the first horizontal trunk portion HS1, and the other portions of
the second branch portions B2 are branched from the first vertical
trunk portion VS1. In addition, each of the second branch portions
B2 extends in (along) a fourth direction D4 inclined with respect
to the first and second directions D1 and D2 when viewed in a plan
view, and the second branch portions B2 are spaced apart from each
other.
[0156] When viewed in a plan view, the fourth direction D4 may
cross the third direction D3. For instance, the third direction D3
may be substantially perpendicular to the fourth direction D4, and
each of the third and fourth directions D3 and D4 may form an angle
of about 45 degrees with respect to the first direction D1 or the
second direction D2.
[0157] Portions of the third branch portions B3 are branched from
the second horizontal trunk portion HS2, and the other portions of
the third branch portions B3 are branched from the second vertical
trunk portion VS2. In addition, each of the third branch portions
B3 extends in (along) a fifth direction D5 inclined with respect to
the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 when viewed in a
plan view, and the third branch portions B3 are spaced apart from
each other.
[0158] Portions of the fourth branch portions B4 are branched from
the second horizontal trunk portion HS2, and the other portions of
the fourth branch portions B4 are branched from the second vertical
trunk portion VS2. In addition, each of the fourth branch portions
B4 extends in (along) a sixth direction D6 inclined with respect to
the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 when viewed in a
plan view, and the fourth branch portions B4 are spaced apart from
each other.
[0159] When viewed in a plan view, the sixth direction D6 may cross
the fifth direction D5. For instance, the fifth direction D5 may be
substantially perpendicular to the sixth direction D6, and each of
the fifth and sixth directions D5 and D6 may form an angle of about
45 degrees with respect to the first direction D1 or the second
direction D2.
[0160] The second sub-pixel electrode PE2 may have a size different
from that of the first sub-pixel electrode PE1, however, the second
sub-pixel electrode PE2 may instead have a shape similar to that of
the first sub-pixel electrode PE1.
[0161] The second sub-pixel electrode PE2 includes a third
horizontal trunk portion HS3, a fourth horizontal trunk portion
HS4, a third vertical trunk portion VS3, a fourth vertical trunk
portion VS4, and fifth to eighth branch portions B5, B6, B7, and
B8.
[0162] The third vertical trunk portion VS3 extends in (along) the
second direction D2 and is connected to the third horizontal trunk
portion HS3, edges of the fifth branch portions B5, and edges of
the sixth branch portions B6. The fourth vertical trunk portion VS4
extends in (along) the second direction D2 and is connected to the
fourth vertical trunk portion HS4, edges of the seventh branch
portions B7, and edges of the eighth branch portions B8.
[0163] The third horizontal trunk portion HS3 is branched from the
third vertical trunk portion VS3 and extends in (along) the first
direction D1, and the fourth horizontal trunk portion HS4 is
branched from the fourth vertical trunk portion VS4 and extends in
(along) the first direction D1. In the present exemplary
embodiment, the third horizontal trunk portion HS3 is branched from
a center portion of the third vertical trunk portion VS3 and the
fourth horizontal trunk portion HS4 is branched from a center
portion of the fourth vertical trunk portion VS4.
[0164] Portions of the fifth branch portions B5 are branched from
the third horizontal trunk portion HS3, and the other portions of
the fifth branch portions B5 are branched from the third vertical
trunk portion VS3. In addition, each of the fifth branch portions
B5 extends in (along) the third direction D3 when viewed in a plan
view, and the fifth branch portions B5 are spaced apart from each
other.
[0165] Portions of the sixth branch portions B6 are branched from
the third horizontal trunk portion HS3, and the other portions of
the sixth branch portions B6 are branched from the third vertical
trunk portion VS3. In addition, each of the sixth branch portions
B6 extends in (along) the fourth direction D4 when viewed in a plan
view, and the sixth branch portions B6 are spaced apart from each
other.
[0166] Portions of the seventh branch portions B7 are branched from
the fourth horizontal trunk portion HS4, and the other portions of
the seventh branch portions B7 are branched from the fourth
vertical trunk portion VS4. In addition, each of the seventh branch
portions B7 extends in (along) the fifth direction D5 when viewed
in a plan view, and the seventh branch portions B7 are spaced apart
from each other.
[0167] Portions of the eighth branch portions B8 are branched from
the fourth horizontal trunk portion HS4, and the other portions of
the eighth branch portions B8 are branched from the fourth vertical
trunk portion VS4. In addition, each of the eighth branch portions
B8 extends in (along) the sixth direction D6 when viewed in a plan
view, and the eighth branch portions B8 are spaced apart from each
other.
[0168] As shown in FIG. 15, the first to fourth domains DM1 to DM4
are defined in the first sub-pixel area PA1, and fifth to eighth
domains DM5 to DM8 are defined in the second sub-pixel area
PA2.
[0169] Also, in the case that the first to eighth domains DM1 to
DM8 are defined in the first and second sub-pixel areas PA1 and
PA2, the first sub-pixel electrode PE1 further includes a first
domain connection part LP1 and the second sub-pixel electrode PE2
further includes a second domain connection part LP2.
[0170] The first domain connection part LP1 is disposed between the
second domain DM2 and the third domain DM3 to connect the second
branch portions B2 and the third branch portions B3, and the second
domain connection part LP2 is disposed between the sixth domain DM6
and the seventh domain DM7 to connect the sixth branch portions B6
and the seventh branch portions B7. The first domain connection
part LP1 may be disposed at a center of a border area between the
second domain DM2 and the third domain DM3, and the second domain
connection part LP2 may be disposed at a center of a border area
between the sixth domain DM6 and the seventh domain DM7.
[0171] When an area in which the liquid crystal molecules are
aligned by the first branch portions B1 is referred to as the first
domain DM1, a first liquid crystal alignment direction DR1 in the
first domain DM1 corresponds to the third direction D3. When an
area in which the liquid crystal molecules are aligned by the
second branch portions B2 is referred to as the second domain DM2,
a second liquid crystal alignment direction DR2 in the second
domain DM2 corresponds to the fourth direction D4.
[0172] A third liquid crystal alignment direction DR3 in the third
domain DM3 corresponds to the fifth direction D5, and a fourth
liquid crystal alignment direction DR4 in the fourth domain DM4
corresponds to the sixth direction D6.
[0173] According to the above, the first to fourth domains DM1 to
DM4, which are sequentially arranged in the second direction D2,
are formed in the first sub-pixel area PA1, and the liquid crystal
alignment directions in the first to fourth domains DM1 to DM4 are
different from each other. Thus, a viewing angle of the first
sub-pixel area PA1 may be widened.
[0174] In addition, the fifth to eighth domains DM5 to DM8, which
are sequentially arranged in the second direction D2, are formed in
the second sub-pixel area PA2, and the liquid crystal alignment
directions in the fifth to eighth domains DM5 to DM8 are different
from each other. Thus, a viewing angle of the second sub-pixel area
PA2 may be widened.
[0175] The first to eighth domains DM1 to DM8 are arranged in the
second direction D2 in one pixel. Therefore, the domains having
different liquid crystal alignment directions are prevented from
being overlapped with each other due to a misalignment occurring in
the curved display device 500 curved in the first direction D1,
thereby preventing a texture defect caused by the misalignment of
the liquid crystal molecules.
[0176] Although the exemplary embodiments of the present invention
have been described, it is understood that the present invention
should not be limited to these exemplary embodiments but various
changes and modifications can be made by a person having ordinary
skilled in the art within the spirit and scope of the present
invention as hereinafter claimed and equivalents thereof.
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